The extremely high temperatures in Prince George can be dangerous, and Environment Canada advises residents to find shade and stay hydrated to keep safe.
However, for the local homeless population, staying safe from the sun might not be easy cranking the AC or filling up a glass of tap water.
To help keep Prince George’s unhoused residents safe, a few local organizations are stepping up.
The Association Advocating For Women And Community (AWAC) is accepting donations such as fruit, water bottles, and Gatorade to hand out.
Those looking to donate to AWAC can do so by dropping off donations at their location on 144 George Street at any time of the day.
Typically, AWAC sends outreach workers into the streets in the winter, however, this year volunteers are also handing out goods during the summer.
The POUNDS Project is also opening up their overdose prevention site and drop-in centre as a cooling centre daily from 6 am until 11 pm until the weather cools off.
At the cooling centre, there are also public washrooms, drinking water and sunscreen available.
Positive Living North No Kheyoh t’sih’en t’sehena Society is also offering a cooling centre downtown, at the Cultural Drop-In Centre Fire Pit, members will be handing out water, snacks and lunches until 4:30 pm daily until it cools off.
A hydration station offering water will also be available at the House of Ancestors Conference Centre, which according to the Centre’s Facebook page, will be open until Friday.
According to Amy Dhanjal, Prince George Public Library Spokesperson, both library locations are open to anyone looking to cool off in an air-conditioned area from 10 am until 6 pm.
The library will also be offering water bottles and beverages with electrolytes to anyone looking for them.
Meanwhile, the St.Vincent De Paul Society offers free breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day to over 100 people per meal.
St.Vincent Executive Director Bernie Goold says that due to health protocols, they’re unable to provide shelter, however, the Society is well stocked with water and Gatorade.
“We are giving out water and they can come to the door, the Social Concerns door, we’re giving out extra bottles of water and Gatorade as they come for their meals,” she explained.
She adds that while the organization would never say no to water or Gatorade donations, they might be better off going to another outreach program.
“We’re feeling comfortable with the amount of water we have and there might be other organizations that might need it more than we do,” she noted.
Environment Canada is expecting extremely high temperatures for the next couple of day, as it could reach 38 degrees today (Monday) and 39 degrees on Tuesday.
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